Washing machine

ABSTRACT

A washing machine includes a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of laundry and installed on a suspension bar configured to suspend an outer tub of the washing machine. In the washing machine, while a driver is rotating the washing tub to spin-dry the laundry, the weight sensor measures the weight of the laundry, and spin-drying of the laundry is ended based on a weight measurement value obtained as a result of the measurement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to KoreanApplication No. 10-2019-0127724 filed on Oct. 15, 2019, whose entiredisclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a washingmachine, and, more particularly, to a method for controlling a washingmachine that spin-dries laundry that has been washed.

2. Background

When an amount of laundry exceeds a capacity of a washing machine, thelaundry may not be properly spin-dried. In addition, when the laundry isinclined to one side within a washing tub, normal spin-drying may not beachieved. Recently, in order to prevent damage to the laundry andoptimally spin-dry the laundry, there is a tendency to lower arotational force of the washing tub within a predetermined range.However, when the rotational force of the washing tub is lowered, alarge amount of water may remain in the laundry without being removedfrom the laundry. In such a case, drying time may increase, and watermay drip from the laundry during drying, which in turn may increase userdissatisfaction.

In this regard, in Korean Patent Application Publication No.10-2000-0025011 (published on May 06, 2000; hereinafter referred to as“related art 1”), disclosed is a method for controlling spin-drying timein a washing machine. In related art 1, a weight W1 of dry laundry isobtained by performing a first weight detection at a beginning ofwashing. After the first weight detection is performed, washing andrinsing is performed. Then, a weight W2 of the laundry is obtained byperforming a second weight detection prior to spin-drying.

In related art 1, a type of the laundry is recognized based on W2/W1.When W2/W1<K1, the laundry is determined to be chemical fiber-basedlaundry. In such a case, a spin-drying time is set to 5 minutes or lessbased on a result of the determination. When K1≤W2/W1≤K2, chemicalfiber-based laundry and natural fiber-based laundry are determined to bemixed. In such a case, the spin-drying time is set to between 5 and 9minutes based on a result of the determination. When K2<W2/W1, thelaundry is determined to be natural fiber-based laundry. In such a case,the spin-drying time is set to 9 minutes or more based on a result ofthe determination. In related art 1, a proper spin-drying time may becalculated according to a type of laundry, such as chemical fiber-typelaundry, natural fiber-type laundry, and blended fiber-type laundry.Accordingly, the laundry may not be damaged, or may be spin-driedproperly.

However, in related art 1, when new laundry is added or some of thepreviously loaded laundry is removed just before the spin-drying starts,it may not be possible to detect such a situation. When some of thepreviously loaded laundry is removed before the spin-drying starts, thespin-drying time should be reduced to ensure proper spin-drying. Inaddition, when new laundry is added before the spin-drying starts, thespin-drying time should be increased to ensure proper spin-drying. Inparticular, when a large amount of laundry, such as jeans or towels,which requires a long time to spin-dry, is added, it is difficult toensure proper spin-drying.

In addition, as mentioned above, in related art 1, only W2/W1 is used torecognize the type of laundry. However, it is difficult to accuratelyrecognize the type of laundry using only W2/W1. Accordingly, there is aneed for a technology for accurately recognizing laundry withoutinstalling additional devices. Nevertheless, even if the type of laundryis accurately recognized by using W2/W1, since a degree of spin-dryingof the laundry varies depending on a degree to which the laundry getsinter-tangled or inclined to a certain side, it is difficult to ensureproper spin-drying.

Recently, an electric dryer is becoming popular. The electric dryerrequires a long drying time. In particular, when an atmospherictemperature is low, the drying time becomes longer. In order to reducethe drying time, as much moisture as possible should be removed fromlaundry before loading the laundry into the electric dryer. On the otherhand, even if the degree of the spin-drying of the laundry is low, thelaundry taken out of the washing machine is quickly dried naturally insunny or dry weather. However, even if the degree of the spin-drying ofthe laundry is high, natural drying is slow in cloudy or humid weather.

The above reference is incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a time and arotation speed, according to the method for controlling the washingmachine illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a time and arotation speed, according to the method for controlling the washingmachine illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a time and arotation speed, according to the method for controlling the washingmachine illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine, according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exchange of information between awashing machine, a dryer, and a terminal, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinbelow, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.However, in describing the present disclosure, descriptions of alreadyknown functions or configurations will be omitted to clarify the subjectmatter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a top loader washingmachine 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the top loader washing machine 10includes a case 11, an outer tub 12, an inner tub (washing tub) 13, apulsator 14, a driver (or motor) 15, a suspension bar 16, and a weightsensor 17. The washing machine 10 may also be implemented as a frontloader or other type of appliance, such as a dryer. The washing machinemay further include a communication interface or other device totransmit information to another device via a wired or wirelessconnection.

The washing tub 13, into which laundry is loaded, is located inside theouter tub 12. The driver 15 is configured to rotate the washing tub 13.The suspension bar 16 is configured to suspend the outer tub 12. Theweight sensor 17 configured to detect a weight of the laundry isinstalled on the suspension bar 16.

The weight sensor 17 is provided as a load cell. The load cell may bemanufactured using a strain gauge. As disclosed in Korean PatentRegistration No. 10-1729577, the suspension bar 16 which suspends theouter tub 12 and the weight sensor 17 installed on the suspension bar 16are well-known technologies, so a detailed description thereof will beomitted. The above reference is incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

Water contained in the outer tub 12 and the inner tub 13 beforespin-drying is discharged through a drain passage 18 to the outside. Adrain pump 19 configured to discharge the water to the outside isinstalled on the drain passage 18. The drain passage 18 is opened orclosed by a drain valve 20. A method for controlling a washing machine(S100, S200, S300, S400) according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, as described below, may be set in a controller (not shown)of the top loader washing machine 10.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.3 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a time and a rotationspeed, according to the method for controlling the washing machineillustrated in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the method for controlling the washing machine(S100) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a step of measuring a weight of dry laundry (S110), a washingstep (S120), a step of measuring a weight of wet laundry (S130), a stepof rotating a washing tub at a first speed (VM) (S141), a step ofmeasuring a weight of the laundry (S143), and a step of determiningwhether to end spin-drying (S144).

The step of measuring the weight of the dry laundry (S110) is a step ofmeasuring the weight of the dry laundry loaded into the washing tub 13.The weight of the dry laundry represents a weight of laundry (an amountof laundry to be washed) before water is supplied to the washing tub 13.

The laundry is made of natural and/or synthetic fibers. As disclosed inthe related art 1 mentioned above, the fibers have different waterabsorption properties depending on their type. Accordingly, aspin-drying speed and a spin-drying time are to be adjusted differentlyaccording to the type of the laundry so as to achieve a certain degreeof spin-drying.

As an existing method for detecting a weight of laundry, there is amethod for converting, by a hall sensor, a change in magnetic fluxgenerated as a gear installed on a motor shaft is rotated, into a squarewave, which is an electrical signal, and detecting the weight of thelaundry based on the square wave. That is, there is a method fordetecting the weight of the laundry by using the number of pulsesobtained by detecting a rotational force that depends on the weight ofthe laundry.

There is also another method for detecting a weight of laundry, themethod including causing a square wave to be generated when a signalgenerated by a back electromotive force of a motor is greater than orequal to a predetermined voltage, and detecting the weight of thelaundry based on the number of pulses of the square wave, the number ofpulses being generated by a rotational force that depends on the weightof the laundry. Alternatively, the weight of laundry may be detectedusing a separate weight sensor. The method for detecting the weight oflaundry is a well-known technology, so a detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the step of measuring the weight of thedry laundry (S110) is completed, the washing step (S120) starts. Thewashing step (S120) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub13, and washing and rinsing the laundry. Alternatively, the washing step(S120) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub 13 andwashing or rinsing the laundry.

When the washing step (S120) is completed, a step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S130) starts. The step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S130) is a step of discharging watercontained in the washing tub 13 and then measuring the weight of the wetlaundry. A controller of the washing machine 10 opens the drain valve 20and operates the drain pump 19, before measuring the weight of the wetlaundry.

The weight of the wet laundry represents a weight of laundry to bemeasured (an amount of laundry to be spin-dried) after the watercontained in the washing tub 13 is discharged. As illustrated in FIG. 3,the weight of the wet laundry is measured by the method for detectingthe weight of the laundry as described above while repeatingacceleration and deceleration of the washing tub 13.

When the step of measuring the weight of the wet laundry (S130) iscompleted, the spin-drying starts (S140). As illustrated in FIG. 3,after the spin-drying starts (S140), the washing tub 13 is graduallyaccelerated to rotate at the first speed (VM) (S141).

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the step of rotating the washing tub 13 at thefirst speed (VM) (S141) is a step of rotating the washing tub 13 at amaximum rotation speed. The maximum rotation speed may represent amaximum rotation speed of the washing tub 13 that is set as a defaultfor specific washing courses (such as standard course, wool course, andduvet course). The washing tub 13 is rotated constantly at the firstspeed (VM) for a predetermined period of time so as to spin-dry thelaundry (S142).

While the washing tub 13 is being rotated constantly at the first speed(VM) (S142), the water absorbed in the laundry is gradually removed fromthe laundry. The step of measuring the weight of the laundry (S143) is astep of measuring the weight of the laundry by the weight sensor 17while the washing tub 13 is being rotated at the first speed (VM). Thestep of determining whether to end the spin-drying (S144) is a step ofending spin-drying of laundry based on a weight measurement value.

When, in the step of determining whether to end the spin-drying (S144),a ratio of the weight measurement value to the weight of the dry laundryis equal to or less than a second reference value, the spin-drying ofthe laundry may be ended. The above condition is expressed by Equation 1as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{C_{0}}{A} \leq X_{2}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

where A: weight of dry laundry; C0: weight measurement value (e.g.,weight of wet laundry after spinning at a speed (Vm) for a duration oftime (To)); and X2: second reference value. In one example, the secondreference value is as follows: X2=1.8

That is, when, assuming that the weight of the dry laundry is 100%, theweight measurement value is 180% or less, the spin-drying of the laundrymay be ended. In other words, when, assuming that the weight of the drylaundry is 100%, the weight measurement value is 180% or less, thelaundry is determined to have been sufficiently spin-dried. Accordingly,when the above condition is satisfied, the spin-drying of the laundry isended.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when, in the step of determining whether toend the spin-drying (S144), the ratio of the weight measurement value tothe weight of the dry laundry is determined to exceed the secondreference value, the washing tub 13 is rotated again at the first speed(VM) for a predetermined period of time (S142). Then, the step ofmeasuring the weight of the laundry (S143) and the step of determiningwhether to end the spin-drying (S144) are performed again.

However, when, in the step of determining whether to end the spin-drying(S144), a ratio of a reduction amount of the weight measurement value tothe weight of the wet laundry is determined to be less than a thirdreference value, the spin-drying of the laundry may be ended. The weightsensor 17 measures the weight of the laundry multiple times, once ateach time (t). The above condition is expressed by Equation 2 asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{C_{0} - C_{t}}{B} < X_{3}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

where B: weight of wet laundry (e.g., before spinning); C0: weightmeasurement value; Ct: weight measurement value after time t has elapsedsince C0 was measured; X3: third reference value. In one example, thethird reference value and the time t may be as follows: X3=0.01; and t=1minute.

The above equation 2 is an equation that determines whether, assumingthat the weight of the wet laundry is 100%, the reduction amount of theweight measurement value for 1 minute is less than 1%. When, assumingthat the weight of the wet laundry is 100%, the reduction amount of theweight measurement value for 1 minute is less than 1%, the laundry isdetermined to have been sufficiently spin-dried. When the abovecondition is satisfied, the spin-drying of the laundry is ended.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, when, assuming that the weight of the wetlaundry is 100%, the reduction amount of the weight measurement valuefor 1 minute is 1% or more, the washing tub 13 is rotated again at thefirst speed (VM) for a predetermined period of time (S142). Then, thestep of measuring the weight of the laundry (S143) and the step ofdetermining whether to end the spin-drying (S144) are performed again.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.5 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a time and a rotationspeed, according to the method for controlling the washing machineillustrated in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the method for controlling the washing machine(S200) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a step of measuring a weight of dry laundry (S210), a washingstep (S220), a step of measuring a weight of wet laundry (S230), a stepof rotating a washing tub at a first speed (VM1) (S241), a step ofmeasuring a weight of laundry (S243), a step of determining whether toend spin-drying (S244), and a step of determining whether to endsecondary spin-drying (S245).

The step of measuring the weight of the dry laundry (S210) is a step ofmeasuring the weight (A) of the dry laundry loaded into the washing tub13. The weight of the dry laundry represents a weight of laundry (anamount of laundry to be washed) before water is supplied to the washingtub 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the step of measuring the weight of thedry laundry (S210) is completed, the washing step (S220) starts. Thewashing step (S220) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub13, and washing and rinsing the laundry. Alternatively, the washing step(S220) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub 13 andwashing or rinsing the laundry.

When the washing step (S220) is completed, a step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S230) starts. The step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S230) is a step of discharging watercontained in the washing tub 13 and measuring the weight of the wetlaundry. A controller of the washing machine 10 opens the drain valve 20and operates the drain pump 19, before measuring the weight of the wetlaundry.

The weight (B) of the wet laundry represents a weight of laundry to bemeasured (an amount of laundry to be spin-dried) after the watercontained in the washing tub 13 is discharged and before spinning. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the weight of the wet laundry is measured by themethod for detecting the weight of the laundry as described above whilerepeating acceleration and deceleration of the washing tub 13.

When the step of measuring the weight (b) of the wet laundry (S230) iscompleted, spin-drying starts (S240). As illustrated in FIG. 5, afterspin-drying starts (S240), the washing tub 13 is gradually acceleratedto rotate at a first speed (VM1) (S241).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the step of rotating the washing tub 13 at thefirst speed (VM1) (S241) is a step of rotating the washing tub 13 at afirst maximum rotation speed. The maximum rotation speed may represent amaximum rotation speed of the washing tub 13 that is set as a defaultfor specific washing courses (such as standard course, wool course, andduvet course). The washing tub 13 is rotated at a first speed (VM1) fora predetermined period of time to spin-dry the laundry (S242).

While the washing tub 13 is being rotated at the first speed (VM1) for apredetermined period of time (S242), the water absorbed in the laundryis gradually removed from the laundry. The step of measuring the weightof the laundry (S243) represents a step of measuring the weight of thelaundry by the weight sensor 17 at the first speed (VM1). The weightsensor 17 measures the weight of the laundry multiple times, once ateach time (t).

The spin-drying of the laundry is ended when, in the step of determiningwhether to end the spin-drying (S244), a reduction rate of a weightmeasurement value is determined to be less than a first reference value.Whether or not to end the spin-drying is determined by using two or moreof the weight measurement values as variables without using the weightof the dry laundry and the weight of the wet laundry as variables. Theabove condition is expressed by Equation 3 as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{C_{0} - C_{t}}{C_{0}} < X_{1}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 3}\end{matrix}$

where C0: weight measurement value; Ct: weight measurement value aftertime t has elapsed since C0 was measured; X1: first reference value. Inone example, the first reference value and the time t are as follows:X1=0.01, and t=1 minute.

When, in the step of determining whether to end the spin-drying (S244),the reduction rate of the weight measurement value is determined to begreater than or equal to the first reference value, the washing tub 13is again rotated at a first speed (VM1) for a predetermined period oftime (S242). Then, the step of measuring the weight of the laundry(S243) and the step of determining whether to end the spin-drying (S244)are performed again.

When the reduction rate of the weight measurement value is less than 1per minute, the step of determining whether to end the secondaryspin-drying (S245) starts. When, in the step of determining whether toend the secondary spin-drying (S245), the ratio of the weightmeasurement value to the weight of the dry laundry is equal to or lessthan a second reference value, the spin-drying of the laundry may beended. The above condition is expressed by Equation 4 as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{C_{0} - C_{t}}{B} < X_{3}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 5}\end{matrix}$

where A: weight of dry laundry; C0: weight measurement value; X2: secondreference value. In one example, the second reference value is asfollows: X2=1.8.

That is, when, assuming that the weight of the dry laundry is 100%, theweight measurement value is 180% or less, the spin-drying of the laundrymay be ended. In other words, when, assuming that the weight of the drylaundry is 100%, the weight measurement value is 180% or less, thelaundry is determined to have been sufficiently spin-dried. When theabove condition is satisfied, the spin-drying of the laundry is ended.

In addition, when, in the step of determining whether to end thesecondary spin-drying (S245), a ratio of a reduction amount of theweight measurement value to the weight of the wet laundry is less than athird reference value, the spin-drying of the laundry may be ended. Theweight sensor 17 measures the weight of the laundry multiple times, onceat each time (t). The above condition is expressed by Equation 5(similar to equation 2), as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{C_{0}}{A} \leq X_{2}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 4}\end{matrix}$

where B: weight of wet laundry; C0: weight measurement value; Ct: weightmeasurement value after time t has elapsed since C0 was measured; X3:third reference value. In one example, the third reference value and thetime t are as follows: X3=0.01, and t=1 minute.

That is, the above equation 5 is an equation that determines whether,assuming that the weight of the wet laundry is 100%, the reductionamount of the weight measurement value for 1 minute is less than 1%.When, assuming that the weight of the wet laundry is 100%, the reductionamount of the weight measurement value for 1 minute is less than 1%, thelaundry is determined to have been sufficiently spin-dried. When theabove condition is satisfied, the spin-drying of the laundry is ended.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the Equation 4 or the Equation 5 is notsatisfied, the first speed (VM1) is adjusted according to the weightmeasurement value (S246, S247). First, a step of determining whether thecurrent first speed (VM1) is the maximum rotation speed with respect tothe weight measurement value (S246) starts.

When the current first speed (VM1) is determined to be the maximumrotation speed with respect to the weight measurement value, the washingtub 13 is again rotated at the first speed (VM1) for a predeterminedperiod of time (S242). Then, the step of measuring the weight of thelaundry (S243), the step of determining whether to end the spin-drying(S244), and the step of determining whether to end the secondaryspin-drying (S245) is performed again.

The first speed (VM1) may be set in the step of measuring the weight ofthe wet laundry (S230). That is, the first speed (VM1) may be a valuecorresponding to the weight of the wet laundry. The first speed (VM1) isset to a value inversely proportional to the weight of the laundry inthe controller of the washing machine 10. In general, the weightmeasurement value is smaller than the weight of the wet laundry since itis the weight of the laundry measured after the spin-drying starts.

When the current first speed (VM1) is determined not to be the maximumrotation speed with respect to the weight measurement value, a step ofresetting the first speed (VM1) (S247) starts. The first speed (VM1) isincreased according to the weight measurement value.

Then, the washing tub 13 is rotated at the changed first speed (VM2) fora predetermined period of time (S242). Then, the step of measuring theweight of the laundry (S243), the step of determining whether to end thespin-drying (S244) and the step of determining whether to end thesecondary spin-drying (S245) is performed again.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.7 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a time and a rotationspeed, according to the method for controlling the washing machineillustrated in FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the method for controlling the washing machine(S300) according to the third embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a step of measuring a weight of dry laundry (S310), a washingstep (S320), a step of measuring a weight of wet laundry (S330), a stepof rotating a washing tub at a first speed (VD) (S341), a step ofmeasuring a weight of laundry (S342), a step of determining a fabricquality of the laundry (S343), a step of setting a maximum spin-dryingrotation speed (S344), and a step of rotating the washing tub at themaximum spin-drying rotation speed (S345).

The step of measuring the weight of the dry laundry (S310) is a step ofmeasuring a weight of dry laundry loaded into the washing tub 13. Theweight of the dry laundry represents a weight of laundry (an amount oflaundry to be washed) before water is supplied to the washing tub 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the step of measuring the weight of thedry laundry (S310) is completed, the washing step (S320) starts. Thewashing step (S320) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub13, and washing and rinsing the laundry. Alternatively, the washing step(S320) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub 13, andwashing or rinsing the laundry.

When the washing step (S320) is completed, a step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S330) starts. The step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S330) is a step of discharging watercontained in the washing tub 13 and measuring the weight of the wetlaundry. A controller of the washing machine 10 opens the drain valve 20and operates the drain pump 19, before measuring the weight of the wetlaundry.

The weight of the wet laundry represents a weight of laundry to bemeasured (an amount of laundry to be spin-dried) after the watercontained in the washing tub 13 is discharged. As illustrated in FIG. 7,the weight of the wet laundry is measured by the method for detectingthe weight of the laundry as described above while repeatingacceleration and deceleration of the washing tub 13.

When the step of measuring the weight of the wet laundry (S330) iscompleted, the spin-drying starts (S340). As illustrated in FIG. 7,after the spin-drying starts (S340), the washing tub 13 is graduallyaccelerated to rotate at the first speed VD (S341).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the step of rotating the washing tub 13 at thefirst speed (VD) (S341) is a step of rotating the washing tub 13 at adetecting rotation speed that is slower than a resonance generationspeed. The detecting rotation speed may be around 400 RPM.Alternatively, the detecting rotation speed may be, for example, 120RPM, 250 RPM, or 400 RPM.

When the step of rotating the washing tub at the first speed (VD) (S341)is completed, the weight sensor 17 measures the weight of the laundry(S342) and then determines the fabric quality (or characteristic) of thelaundry (S343). In the step of determining the fabric quality of thelaundry (S343), the fabric quality of the laundry may be determinedbased on a reduction rate of the weight measurement value. The weightsensor 17 measures the weight of the laundry multiple times, once ateach time (t).

The fabric quality of the laundry may be determined by a result ofEquation 6 below.

$\begin{matrix}\frac{C_{0} - C_{t}}{C_{0}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 6}\end{matrix}$

where C0: weight measurement value; Ct: weight measurement value aftertime t has elapsed since C0 was measured.

That is, the fabric quality of the laundry may be determined based on areduction rate of the weight measurement value. As centrifugal forceacts on the laundry, a rate at which water is removed from the laundryvaries depending on a material of the laundry. Data about thespin-drying speed for each laundry material that depends on the rotationspeed of the washing tub 13 is stored in the controller in advance.

The controller of the washing machine 10 stores a time elapsed from thestep of starting the spin-drying (S340) to the step of determining thefabric quality of laundry (S343), and the rotation speed of the washingtub 13. Accordingly, the controller may determine the fabric quality ofthe laundry based on the reduction rate of the weight measurement value.

When the fabric quality of the laundry is determined (S343), the maximumspin-drying rotation speed (VM1) is reset according to the determinedfabric quality of the laundry (S344). The washing tub is rotated at thereset maximum spin-drying rotation speed (VM2) (S345). As illustrated inFIG. 7, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed (S346) after thewashing tub 13 was rotated at the maximum spin-drying rotation speed(VM2) (S345), the spin-drying of the laundry is ended.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washingmachine (S400), according to a fourth embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exchange of informationbetween a washing machine 10, a dryer 20, and a terminal 30. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the method for controlling the washing machineaccording (S400) to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a step of measuring a weight of dry laundry (S410), a washingstep (S420), a step of measuring a weight of wet laundry (S430), a stepof starting spin-drying (S440), a step of ending spin-drying (S441), astep of measuring a weight of the spin-dried laundry (S442), a step oftransmitting first information to the terminal (S443), and a step oftransmitting second information to the dryer (S444 ).

The measuring the weight of the dry laundry (S410) is a step ofmeasuring a weight of dry laundry loaded into the washing tub 13. Theweight of the dry laundry represents a weight of laundry (an amount oflaundry to be washed) before water is supplied to the washing tub 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the step of measuring the weight of thedry laundry (S410) is completed, the washing step (S420) starts. Thewashing step (S420) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub13, and washing and rinsing the laundry. Alternatively, the washing step(S420) may be a step of supplying water to the washing tub 13 andwashing or rinsing the laundry.

When the washing step (S420) is completed, the step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S430) starts. The step of measuring theweight of the wet laundry (S430) is a step of discharging watercontained in the washing tub 13 and measuring the weight of the wetlaundry. A controller of the washing machine 10 opens the drain valve 20and operates the drain pump 19, before measuring the weight of the wetlaundry.

The weight of the wet laundry represents a weight of laundry to bemeasured (an amount of laundry to be spin-dried) after the watercontained in the washing tub 13 is discharged. The weight of the wetlaundry is measured by the method for detecting the weight of thelaundry as described above while repeating acceleration and decelerationof the washing tub 13.

When the step of measuring the weight of the wet laundry (S430) iscompleted, the spin-drying starts (S440). While the spin-drying isperformed, the washing tub 13 is gradually accelerated to rotate at amaximum rotation speed, thereby spin-drying the laundry. The processesfrom the step of starting the spin-drying (S440) to the step of endingthe spin-drying (S441) proceed in the order of the processes from thestep of starting the spin-drying (S140, S240, S340) to the step ofending the spin-drying, according to any one of the first to thirdembodiments of the present disclosure.

When the spin-drying of the laundry is ended (S441), the step ofmeasuring the weight of the spin-dried laundry (S442) starts. The weightof the spin-dried laundry represents a weight of laundry to be measuredafter the spin-drying is ended. The weight of the spin-dried laundry ismeasured by the method for detecting the weight of the laundry asdescribed above while repeating acceleration and deceleration of thewashing tub 13.

When the step of measuring the weight of the spin-dried laundry (S442)is completed, the step of transmitting the first information to theterminal 30 of a user (S443) and the step of transmitting the secondinformation to the dryer 20 (S444) starts. Alternatively, the firstinformation may be transmitted to the dryer 20. The second informationmay be transmitted to the terminal 30 of the user. The first informationmay include the ratio of the weight of the spin-dried laundry to theweight of the dry laundry. The second information may include the ratioof the weight of the spin-dried laundry to the weight of the drylaundry.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a dedicated application that allows theterminal 30 of the user to exchange information with the washing machine10 and the dryer 20 is installed in the terminal 30 of the user. Whenthe terminal 30 of the user receives the first information or the secondinformation, the dedicated application of the terminal 30 isautomatically executed. The dedicated application may display the ratioof the weight of the spin-dried laundry to the weight of the dry laundry(hereinafter referred to as a first degree of spin-drying), the ratio ofthe weight of the spin-dried laundry to the weight of the wet laundry(hereinafter referred to as a second degree of spin-drying), and anpredicted natural drying time determined by comparing the first degreeof spin-drying with a current humidity. Accordingly, the user mayrecognize the natural drying time of the laundry when the spin-drying isended.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the washing machine 10 and the dryer 20 mayexchange information with each other via any type of wired or wirelesscommunication. The dryer 20 receives the first degree of spin-drying,the second degree of spin-drying, and information on a fabric quality oflaundry. The dryer 20 automatically sets a drying temperature or adrying time based on the first degree of spin-drying, the second degreeof spin-drying, and the information on the fabric quality of laundry.The user may load laundry into the dryer 20 and then immediately press a“start” button to quickly dry the laundry.

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a methodfor controlling a washing machine that is capable of accuratelyrecognizing laundry. The present disclosure is further directed to amethod for controlling a washing machine that may cause laundry to bespin-dried to a certain degree of spin-drying.

The present disclosure is still further directed to providing a methodfor controlling a washing machine that is capable of facilitating use ofa dryer after spin-drying is finished. The present disclosure is stillfurther directed to providing a method for controlling a washing machinethat allows a user to predict a natural drying time for spin-driedlaundry.

In a method for controlling the washing machine according to anembodiment of the present disclosure, while a driver is rotating awashing tub to spin-dry laundry, a weight sensor measures a weight ofthe laundry, and spin-drying of the laundry is ended based on a weightmeasurement value obtained as a result of the measurement.

The washing machine may include a washing tub, an outer tub, the driver,a suspension bar, and the weight sensor. The outer tub may be configuredto accommodate the washing tub. The laundry may be loaded into thewashing tub. The driver may be configured to rotate the washing tub. Thesuspension bar may be configured to suspend the outer tub.

The weight sensor may be configured to detect the weight of the laundry.The weight sensor may be installed on the suspension bar. The weightsensor may measure the weight of the laundry while the driver isrotating the washing tub constantly at a first speed to spin-dry thelaundry. The weight sensor may measure the weight of the laundrymultiple times. The spin-drying of the laundry may be ended based on areduction rate of the weight measurement value being less than a firstreference value. Accordingly, accuracy in recognizing the laundry may beimproved without installing additional devices necessary for recognizingthe laundry.

A weight of dry laundry may be measured before the laundry is washed.The spin-drying of the laundry may be ended based on the reduction rateof the weight measurement value being less than the first referencevalue and a ratio of the weight measurement value to the weight of thedry laundry being less than or equal to a second reference value.

The first speed may be set to be inversely proportional to the weight ofthe laundry. When the ratio of the weight measurement value to theweight of the dry laundry exceeds the second reference value, the firstspeed may be adjusted according to the weight measurement value.Accordingly, the laundry may be spin-dried to a certain degree ofspin-drying even when new laundry is added or some of the previouslyloaded laundry is removed just before the spin-drying starts. Inaddition, the laundry may be spin-dried to the certain degree ofspin-drying regardless of a degree to which the laundry getsinter-tangled or inclined to a certain side.

A weight of wet laundry may be measured before the laundry isspin-dried. The spin-drying of the laundry may be ended based on thereduction rate of the weight measurement value being less than the firstreference value and a ratio of a reduction amount of the weightmeasurement value to the weight of the wet laundry being less than athird reference value.

The first speed may be set to be inversely proportional to the weight ofthe laundry. When the ratio of the reduction amount of the weightmeasurement value to the weight of the wet laundry exceeds the thirdreference value, the first speed may be adjusted according to the weightmeasurement value. Accordingly, the laundry may be spin-dried to thecertain degree of spin-drying even when new laundry is added or some ofthe previously loaded laundry is removed just before the spin-dryingstarts. In addition, the laundry may be spin-dried to the certain degreeof spin-drying regardless of the degree to which the laundry getsinter-tangled or inclined to the certain side.

The weight of the dry laundry may be measured before the laundry iswashed. The spin-drying of the laundry may be ended based on the ratioof the weight measurement value to the weight of the dry laundry beingless than or equal to the second reference value.

The weight of the wet laundry may be measured before the laundry isspin-dried. The spin-drying of the laundry may be ended based on theratio of the reduction amount of the weight measurement value to theweight of the wet laundry being less than the third reference value.

The weight of the dry laundry may be measured before the laundry iswashed. When the spin-drying of the laundry is ended, the weight of thespin-dried laundry is measured, and then first information may betransmitted to a terminal or a dryer of a user.

Accordingly, the user may predict a natural drying time for thespin-dried laundry. In addition, after the spin-drying is finished, thedryer may be conveniently used and the use time of the dryer may beshortened. The first information may include a ratio of the weight ofthe spin-dried laundry to the weight of the dry laundry. The weight ofthe wet laundry may be measured before the laundry is spin-dried.

When the spin-drying of the laundry is ended, the weight of thespin-dried laundry is measured, and then second information may betransmitted to the terminal or the dryer of the user. Accordingly, theuser may predict a natural drying time for the spin-dried laundry. Inaddition, after the spin-drying is finished, the dryer may beconveniently used and the use time of the dryer may be shortened.

The second information may include the ratio of the weight of thespin-dried laundry to the weight of the wet laundry. The weight sensormay measure the weight of the laundry multiple times. The spin-drying ofthe laundry may be ended after the washing tub is rotated at a maximumspin-drying rotation speed.

The maximum spin-drying rotation speed may be set to be inverselyproportional to the reduction rate of the weight measurement value.Accordingly, the laundry may be spin-dried to the certain degree ofspin-drying even when new laundry is added or some of the previouslyloaded laundry is removed just before the spin-drying starts. Inaddition, the laundry may be spin-dried to the certain degree ofspin-drying regardless of the degree to which the laundry getsinter-tangled or inclined to the certain side. The weight sensor maymeasure the weight of the laundry multiple times. A fabric quality ofthe laundry may be determined based on the reduction rate of the weightmeasurement value. Accordingly, the accuracy in recognizing the laundrymay be improved without installing additional devices necessary forrecognizing the laundry.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, since, while thedriver is rotating the washing tub to spin-dry the laundry, the weightsensor measures the weight of the laundry, and spin-drying of thelaundry is ended based on a weight measurement value obtained as aresult of the measurement, the accuracy in recognizing the laundry maybe improved without installing additional devices necessary forrecognizing the laundry.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, sincethe spin-drying of the laundry is ended based on the reduction rate ofthe weight measurement value being less than the first reference value,the laundry may be spin-dried to the certain degree of spin-drying evenwhen new laundry is added or some previously loaded laundry is removedjust before the spin-drying starts. In addition, the laundry may bespin-dried to the certain degree of spin-drying regardless of the degreeto which the laundry gets inter-tangled or inclined to the certain side.

Further, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, since, whenthe spin-drying of the laundry is ended, the weight of the spin-driedlaundry is measured and then the first information or the secondinformation is transmitted to the dryer, the dryer may be convenientlyused and the use time of the dryer after the spin-drying is finished maybe shortened.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, since,when the spin-drying of the laundry is ended, the weight of thespin-dried laundry is measured and then the first information or thesecond information is transmitted to the terminal of the user, the usermay numerically confirm a spin-drying completion time, therebypredicting a natural drying time for the spin-dried laundry.

In certain examples, a washing machine comprises: a washing tub intowhich laundry is received; an outer tub configured to accommodate thewashing tub; and a motor configured to rotate the washing tub tospin-dry the laundry, and sensor, wherein the sensor is configured todetect a weight (C0) of the laundry while the driver is rotating thewashing tub to spin-dry the laundry, and the motor is configured toselectively end spin-drying of the laundry based on the weight (C0) ofthe laundry

The sensor may be provided at the motor, and the sensor may measure aforce of the motor when rotating the washing tub. The washing machinemay further comprise a suspension bar configured to suspend the outertub, and the sensor may be provided on the suspension bar.

The weight (C0) of the laundry may be determined while the motor isrotating the washing tub based on a first speed (VM1) to spin-dry thelaundry. Another weight (Ct) of the laundry may be determined afteradditional spin drying, and the motor may end spin-drying of the laundrybased on a reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of the laundry beingless than a first reference value (X1).

A dry weight (A) of the laundry may be determined before the laundry iswashed, and the motor may end spin-drying of the laundry based on thereduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of the laundry being less thanthe first reference value (X1), and a ratio (C0/A) of the weight of thelaundry to the dry weight of the laundry being less than or equal to asecond reference value (X2).

When the ratio (C0/A) of the weight of the laundry to the dry weight ofthe laundry exceeds the second reference value, the first speed (VM1)may be adjusted according to the weight (C0) of the laundry during spindrying, and the first speed (VM1) may be adjusted to be inverselyproportional to the weight (C0) of the laundry during spin drying.

A wet weight (B) of the laundry may be determined before the laundry isspin-dried, and the motor may end spin-drying of the laundry based onthe reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of the laundry is beingless than the first reference value (X1), and a ratio ((C0−Ct)/B) of areduction amount of the weight of the laundry to the wet weight of thelaundry being less than a third reference value (X3).

When the ratio ((C0−Ct)/B) of the reduction amount of the weight of thelaundry to the wet weight of the laundry exceeds the third referencevalue (X3), the first speed (VM1) may be adjusted according to theweight (C0) of the laundry , and the first speed (VM1) may be set to beinversely proportional to the weight (C0) of the laundry.

A dry weight (A) of the laundry may be determined before the laundry iswashed, and the motor may end spin-drying of the laundry based on aratio (C0/A) of the weight of the laundry to the weight of the drylaundry being less than or equal to a second reference value (X2). A wetweight (B) of the laundry may be determined before the laundry isspin-dried, and the motor may end spin-drying of the laundry based on aratio ((C−Ct)/B) of a reduction amount of the weight of the laundry tothe wet weight of the laundry being less than a third reference value(X3).

A dry weight (A) of the laundry may be determined before the laundry iswashed, when motor ends spin-drying of the laundry, a weight of thespin-dried laundry may be determined and information is transmitted toat least one of a terminal or a dryer, and the transmitted informationmay include a ratio of the weight of the spin-dried laundry to the dryweight (A) of the laundry. A wet weight (B) of the laundry may bedetermined before the laundry is spin-dried, when the motor endsspin-drying of the laundry, a weight of the spin-dried laundry isdetermined, and information is transmitted to at least one of a terminalor a dryer, and the transmitted information may include a ratio of theweight of the spin-dried laundry to the wet weight (B) of the laundry.

The weight (C0) of the laundry may be determined after spin drying thelaundry, and another weight (Ct) of the laundry may be determined afteradditional spin drying for a period of time (t), the washing tub may berotated at a maximum spin-drying rotation speed (VM1) during spindrying, and the maximum spin-drying rotation speed (VM1) may be set tobe inversely proportional to a reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weightof the laundry. The weight (C0) of the laundry may be determined afterspin drying the laundry, and another weight (Ct) of the laundry may bedetermined after additional spin drying for a period of time (t), and afabric characteristic of the laundry may be determined based on areduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of the laundry.

In certain examples, an appliance comprises: a tub into which laundry isloaded; a motor configured to rotate the washing tub; and a controllerconfigured to: determine a change in a weight of the laundry during afirst spin-drying at a first rotational speed, determine, based on thechange in the weight of the laundry during the first spin-drying, amaximum rotational speed for the laundry, and manage the motor to rotatethe washing tub based on the maximum rotational speed during a secondspin-drying.

The washing machine may further comprise: a suspension bar configured tosuspend the outer tub; and a sensor provided on the suspension bar andconfigured to detect the weight of the laundry. The controller may befurther configured to: determine a fabric type of the laundry based onthe change in the weight of the laundry during the first spin-drying,and determine the maximum rotational speed for the laundry based on thefabric type of the laundry. The controller may be further configured todetermine when to stop the second spin-drying based on a weight of thelaundry during the second spin-drying.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can bedirectly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers.In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layerspresent. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These termsare only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer orsection from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may beused herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of oneelement or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated inthe figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in use oroperation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Forexample, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements describedas “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented“upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplaryterm “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Thedevice may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used hereininterpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure.As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result,for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed aslimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but areto include deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine comprising: a washing tub intowhich laundry is received; an outer tub configured to accommodate thewashing tub; a motor configured to rotate the washing tub; and a sensor,wherein the sensor is configured to detect a weight (C0) of the laundrywhile the driver is rotating the washing tub to spin-dry the laundry,and the motor is configured to selectively end spin-drying of thelaundry based on the weight (C0) of the laundry.
 2. The washing machineof claim 1, wherein the sensor is provided at the motor.
 3. The washingmachine of claim 2, wherein the sensor measures a force of the motorwhen rotating the washing tub.
 4. The washing machine of claim 1,further comprising a suspension bar configured to suspend the outer tub,wherein the sensor is provided on the suspension bar.
 5. The washingmachine of claim 1, wherein the weight (C0) of the laundry during spindrying is determined while the motor is rotating the washing tub basedon a first speed (VM1) to spin-dry the laundry.
 6. The washing machineof claim 5, wherein another weight (Ct) of the laundry is determinedafter additional spin drying, and wherein the motor ends spin-drying ofthe laundry based on a reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of thelaundry being less than a first reference value (X1).
 7. The washingmachine of claim 6, wherein a dry weight (A) of the laundry isdetermined before the laundry is washed, and wherein the motor endsspin-drying of the laundry based on the reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) ofthe weight of the laundry being less than the first reference value(X1), and a ratio (C0/A) of the weight of the laundry to the dry weightof the laundry being less than or equal to a second reference value(X2).
 8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein when the ratio (C0/A)of the weight of the laundry to the dry weight of the laundry exceedsthe second reference value, the first speed (VM1) is adjusted accordingto the weight (C0) of the laundry during spin drying, and wherein thefirst speed (VM1) is adjusted to be inversely proportional to the weight(C0) of the laundry during spin drying.
 9. The washing machine of claim7, wherein a wet weight (B) of the laundry is determined before thelaundry is spin-dried, and wherein the motor ends spin-drying of thelaundry based on the reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of thelaundry is being less than the first reference value (X1), and a ratio((C0−Ct)/B) of a reduction amount of the weight of the laundry to thewet weight of the laundry being less than a third reference value (X3).10. The washing machine of claim 9, wherein when the ratio ((C0−Ct)/B)of the reduction amount of the weight of the laundry to the wet weightof the laundry exceeds the third reference value (X3), the first speed(VM1) is adjusted according to the weight (C0) of the laundry, andwherein the first speed (VM1) is set to be inversely proportional to theweight (C0) of the laundry.
 11. The washing machine of claim 5, whereina dry weight (A) of the laundry is determined before the laundry iswashed, and wherein the motor ends spin-drying of the laundry based on aratio (C0/A) of the weight of the laundry to the weight of the drylaundry being less than or equal to a second reference value (X2). 12.The washing machine of claim 6, wherein a wet weight (B) of the laundryis determined before the laundry is spin-dried, and wherein the motorends spin-drying of the laundry based on a ratio ((C0−Ct)/B) of areduction amount of the weight of the laundry to the wet weight of thelaundry being less than a third reference value (X3).
 13. The washingmachine of claim 1, wherein a dry weight (A) of the laundry isdetermined before the laundry is washed, wherein when motor endsspin-drying of the laundry, a weight of the spin-dried laundry isdetermined and information is transmitted to at least one of a terminalor a dryer, and wherein the transmitted information includes a ratio ofthe weight of the spin-dried laundry to the dry weight (A) of thelaundry.
 14. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a wet weight (B) ofthe laundry is determined before the laundry is spin-dried, wherein whenthe motor ends spin-drying of the laundry, a weight of the spin-driedlaundry is determined, and information is transmitted to at least one ofa terminal or a dryer, and wherein the transmitted information includesa ratio of the weight of the spin-dried laundry to the wet weight (B) ofthe laundry.
 15. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the weight (C0)of the laundry is determined after spin drying the laundry, and anotherweight (Ct) of the laundry is determined after additional spin dryingfor a period of time (t), wherein the washing tub is rotated at amaximum spin-drying rotation speed (VM1) during spin drying, and whereinthe maximum spin-drying rotation speed (VM1) is set to be inverselyproportional to a reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of the weight of thelaundry.
 16. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the weight (C0) ofthe laundry is determined after spin drying the laundry, and anotherweight (Ct) of the laundry is determined after additional spin dryingfor a period of time (t), and wherein a fabric characteristic of thelaundry is determined based on a reduction rate ((C0−C0/C0) of theweight of the laundry.
 17. An appliance comprising: a tub into whichlaundry is loaded; a motor configured to rotate the tub; and acontroller configured to: determine a change in a weight of the laundryduring a first spin-drying at a first rotational speed, determine, basedon the change in the weight of the laundry during the first spin-drying,a maximum rotational speed for the laundry, and manage the motor torotate the tub based on the maximum rotational speed during a secondspin-drying.
 18. The appliance of claim 17, further comprising: asuspension bar configured to suspend the tub; and a sensor provided onthe suspension bar and configured to detect the weight of the laundry.19. The appliance of claim 17, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to: determine a fabric type of the laundry based on thechange in the weight of the laundry during the first spin-drying, anddetermine the maximum rotational speed for the laundry based on thefabric type of the laundry.
 20. The appliance of claim 17, wherein thecontroller is further configured to: determine when to stop the secondspin-drying based on a weight of the laundry during the secondspin-drying.